Is it quite safe th’ experiment to try?” —
“My child,” the teacher said, “who feels remorse,
(And feels not he?) must wish relief of course: 
And can he find it, while he fears the crime! —
You must be married; will you name the time?”
   Glad was the patron as a man could be,
Yet marvell’d too, to find his guides agree;
“But what the cause?” he cried; “’tis genuine love for me.” 
   Each found his part, and let one act describe
The powers and honours of th’ accordant tribe:  —
A man for favour to the mansion speeds,
And cons his threefold task as he proceeds;
To teacher Wisp he bows with humble air,
And begs his interest for a barn’s repair: 
Then for the Doctor he inquires, who loves
To hear applause for what his skill improves,
And gives for praise, assent—­and to the Fair
He brings of pullets a delicious pair;
Thus sees a peasant, with discernment nice,
A love of power, conceit, and avarice. 
   Lo! now the change complete:  the convert Gwyn
Has sold his books, and has renounced his sin;
Mollet his body orders, Wisp his soul,
And o’er his purse the Lady takes control;
No friends beside he needs, and none attend —
Soul, body, and estate, has each a friend;
And fair Rebecca leads a virtuous life —
She rules a mistress, and she reigns a wife.

TALE IV.

PROCRASTINATION.

Heaven witness
I have been to you ever true and humble. 
Shakespeare, Henry VIII.

                           Gentle lady,

When I did first impart my love to you,
I freely told you all the wealth I had. 
                    Merchant of Venice.

                          The fatal time

Cuts off all ceremonies and vows of love,
And ample interchange of sweet discourse,
Which so long sunder’d friends should dwell upon. 
                                     Richard III.

I know thee not, old man; fall to thy prayers. 
                                     Henry IV.

        
                      Farewell,

Thou pure impiety, thou impious purity,
For thee I’ll lock up all the gates of love. 
                     Much Ado about Nothing.

-----------------------

Love will expire—­the gay, the happy dream
Will turn to scorn, indiff’rence, or esteem: 
Some favour’d pairs, in this exchange, are blest,
Nor sigh for raptures in a state of rest;
Others, ill match’d, with minds unpair’d, repent
At once the deed, and know no more content;
From joy to anguish they, in haste, decline,
And, with their fondness, their esteem resign;
More luckless still their fate, who are the prey
Of long-protracted hope and dull delay: 
’Mid plans of bliss the heavy hours pass on,
Till love is withered, and till joy is gone.